Overview

Explore the wonderfully lush scenery of the North Island on this two-week self drive from the magnificent Bay of Islands in Northland to the geothermal and rugged landscapes of Rotorua and Tongariro National Park. Combined with the superb beaches and rainforest of the Coromandel Peninsula, the richness of Maori culture and the wonderful wineries of Hawke's Bay this itinerary will ensure you see the very best highlights.

Highlights

Experience sub-tropical Northland and the Bay of Islands

Explore the forest-fringed Coromandel Peninsula and its spectacular walking tracks

Enjoy Rotorua's geo-thermal wonderland on a visit to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako

Get an insight into Maori culture on a guided walk at Ohinemutu Village

Discover the incredible landscapes of Tongaririo National Park

Take a wine tour in picturesque Hawke's Bay

What's Included

Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom

Car rental throughout

Airport transfer on arrival

Ohinemutu Village Guided Tour

Orakei Korako geothermal valley (Rotorua)

Full description

Focusing entirely on the North Island this 14-day itinerary incorporates some of the most dramatically scenic areas in the country as well as New Zealand's soft side.

Starting in Auckland, drive to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands before exploring the wonderful lush landscape of the Coromandel, the geo-thermal heartland of Rotorua and the magnificent scenery of Tongariro National Park. En route to the capital city of Wellington enjoy time in picturesque Hawke's Bay, New Zealand's second largest wine region.

Prices & Dates *

Airfares start from around £825 per person and are quoted separately to the holiday price.
When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.

From prices per person based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom, including car hire

Itinerary & Accommodation

Itinerary & Accommodation

You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the city for an overnight stay. Overnight: Heritage Auckland. Breakfast included.

Day 2: Auckland - Paihia, Bay of Islands (227 km)

Collect your rental car today and travel to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Stretching 350km north from Auckland, Northland is New Zealand’s only sub-tropical region and with its above average sunshine record and glorious beaches, it is popular with locals as well as visitors. This afternoon you may like to take a fast boat to Cape Brett with Fullers Bay of Islands, sail a tall ship or swim with the dolphins. Overnight: Blue Pacific Apartments (2 nights).

Day 3: Bay of Islands

Explore at your leisure today.

Day 4: Bay of Islands - Orewa (196 km)

Leave Paihia at your leisure today and travel to Orewa, lying on the Hibiscus Coast, just north of the base of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and 40 kms north of central Auckland.Overnight: Waves Motel.

Day 5: Orewa - Pauanui, Coromandel Peninsula (184 km)

Depart Orewa today and travel to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. Separated from Auckland by the broad Firth of Thames, the verdant Coromandel comprises a forested backbone of mountains separating the precipitous west coast from the coves and white sand beaches of the east. Overnight: Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge (2 nights).

Day 6: Pauanui

Today is at your leisure to experience the very best this wonderful region has to offer. Renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and lush flora, the Coromandel is blessed with hundreds of natural hideaways, making it an ideal place to slow down, relax and unwind.

Day 7: Pauanui - Rotoura (180 km)

Drive south today, either following the coast road via Tauranga or inland via the interesting towns of Paeroa and Te Aroha, towards the active geo-thermal heartland of Rotorua. Enjoy a personal guided tour of Ohinemutu Village including the iconic St Faith's Church. Your guide will share the legends and history of the village which will give you an insight into Maori culture.Overnight: The Springs (2 nights). Breakfast included.

Day 8: Rotorua

Enjoy a visit to Orakei Korako geothermal area today (also known as “The Hidden Valley”), situated on the Waikato River at Lake Ohakuri. Even with two thirds of the original geothermal area covered by an artificial lake, Orakei Korako is still New Zealand’s largest geyser field and one of the country’s must-see natural attractions.

Day 9: Rotorua - Tongariro National Park (151 km)

Witness the superb and dramatic scenery of North Island's heartland. Visit the Wairakei geothermal area and Lake Taupo en route to Ruapehu, a snow-capped volcano surrounded by desert like lava and ash. Overnight: Powderhorn Chateau (2 nights).

Day 10: Tongariro National Park

You may like to spend today hiking the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks or alternatively spend time at leisure and explore the striking volcanic landscapes.

Day 11: Tongariro National Park - Napier (204 km)

This morning continue your journey down to Napier, New Zealand's Art Deco capital for a 2 night stay. Napier is set in the heart of Hawke's Bay Wine Country. With a feast of Art Deco architecture, the city was rebuilt in the early 1930s following a massive earthquake. Subsequent fires destroyed most of its commercial heart. By the end of the decade, Napier was the newest city on the globe and nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco - in such a concentrated area. Overnight: The Crown Hotel (2 nights).

Day 12: Napier

Enjoy a full day at leisure today, perhaps take a guided walking tour of this fascinating Art Deco city, visit the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers on an overland safari or alternatively spend time at leisure exploring the wineries the region is renowned for.

Day 13: Napier - Wellington (327 km)

Depart Napier and make your way to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Wellington, offers an unforgettable urban experience in a stunning natural setting. Set between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, this compact city has great shopping, professional theatre, memorable arts, culture and heritage and great cafes and restaurants all close to untouched nature spots. Central Wellington itself is only 2 kilometres in diameter and you can walk from one side to the other in under 20 minutes. Overnight: Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay.

Day 14: Depart Wellington

Drop off your rental vehicle at the airport depot today and depart.

Blue Pacific Apartments

New Zealand

Grade: Superior

Type: Self Catering

Blue Pacific Apartments is a collection of 1, 2 or 3 bedroom properties, all with breath-taking sea views, private balconies and onsite parking.

Ohinemutu Maori Village Guided Walk, Rotorua

The Classic Art Deco Walking Tour, Napier

from: £12

2.5 hours Year round

New Zealand

Qualmark endorsed visitor activity. Levelled by an earthquake and the resulting fire in 1931, and rebuilt in the depths of the great depression, Napier is one of the world's most unique and stylish cities.